Carpinteria extends service changes

CARPINTERA The city of Carpinteria extended service changes implemented because of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a city Facebook post on Wednesday, regular services are scheduled to return on May 4.

The city closed the public parking lots at Viola Fields and Bailard Avenue and is working with the Carpinteria Unified School District and state parks to close parking lots at Carpinteria High School and Linden Field.

“The nearby public trails and parks will remain open for now and the parking lot closures are intended to discourage high intensity use that challenges the social distancing mandate,” the press release read.

“Complaints have been received about crowding in outdoor public areas, and there is concern that the recent closure of beaches and trails in other Southern California municipalities, including Ventura County, may further intensify demand for Carpinteria’s open spaces.”

City parks are open, but play equipment and barbecue areas are closed. The community pool is closed and social distancing must be followed in parks and on beaches and trails.

Building and planning inspections will be performed at the discretion of the city building inspector, plans examiner and planners consistent with social distancing protocol.

Code enforcement interactions will be limited and timed parking limits will not be enforced, except in some cases for 72 hour limits.